Residents in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, are being warned to reduce physical activity outdoors on Friday, 6 March 2026, as the town faces a forecast of very high air pollution. The Met Office has issued a Level 10 alert, which is the highest possible rating on the official scale used to measure air quality.
Under these conditions, health officials adults and children with lung problems, or adults with heart conditions should avoid strenuous exercise entirely. According to Government guidance, people with asthma may also find they need to use their inhalers more often than usual. Even healthy residents are being told to reduce outdoor exertion if they experience symptoms like a cough or a sore throat.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council already manages specific zones in the town where air quality is poor, particularly along the busy A26 road. This latest spike in pollution levels is a significant concern for the borough, which is home to an estimated 122,700 people this year.
Organisers of outdoor sporting events and school activities are being encouraged to move sessions indoors or postpone them for another day. The pollution levels are expected to remain high throughout Friday because weather conditions are trapping traffic fumes near the ground.
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